Are there any regulations regarding lifeguards' breaks while at work?

Other than what is required by Federal Wage and Labor Laws, which state that when working 8 hours, you must be given a 30-minute lunch break, and also two 15 minute personal breaks. Also during your lunch break you should not be the one that is required to be responsible for the swimmers, for this is your own time, and not company time. Federal Laws require that your time sheet should reflect when you took the breaks.

We feel that there should be far more breaks to prevent fatigue with the Lifeguards, and depends on the number of swimmers, sun, heat and many other factors, but 40 minutes watching in the chair and then a 20-minute break is something that is recommended on hot sunny days. Remember proper supervision may be always given when switching watch.

About this Qhub

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has been offering training for over 25 years. It is a national educational association that has the full support of both the Swimming Pool and Spa Association and Global Lifeguards, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. These organizations are all members of the Global Lifeguard Association, which make up one of the largest worldwide aquatic consortiums and have certified over 250,000 individuals, and saved countless lives over past quarter of a century. The American Lifeguard Association helps with the development of testing protocols and the administration of health and safety programs at swimming pools, waterparks, waterfronts, and beaches.

In addition, the American Lifeguard Association emphasizes public awareness of governmental and personal responsibility in aquatic environmental issues to protect the world we live in. It has worked diligently on environmental issues to help keep our beaches and waterways cleaner for our future generations. Over the years, it has promoted the Think Blue Too movement, which has had a positive impact on the appearance and well-being of our aquatic environments.